Blog

Thanksgiving Safety for Your Pet

November 1, 2013

As Thanksgiving approaches, you’re probably preparing for a lot of food, family, and fun. It’s also important to keep your pets safe during the holiday! Consider these tips from a Ceres veterinary professional.

Limit Table Scraps

While it may be tempting to slip your pet a few slices of turkey under the table, too much fatty table scraps are not good for your dog or cat. Rich, fatty, or unusual foods can lead to gastrointestinal upset or other problems, something you don’t want to deal with on a holiday. Of course, the excess fat can also lead to your pet gaining weight.

Beware of Bones

Thinking of slipping your dog a turkey bone to munch on after dinner? Think again. Bones can chip and crack, lacerating your pet’s mouth or throat, or even puncturing the intestines or stomach in severe cases. It’s best to keep the bones away from your dog entirely.

Provide a Quiet Haven

When there’s a lot of people in the house and the hustle and bustle is at a maximum, a lot of pets can get overwhelmed, especially if they’re prone to anxiety. It’s a good idea to make a safe haven in a back room, setting up a soft bed in a corner where no one is going to be. Show your pet this area before your guests arrive, and lead him to it if you think he’s getting agitated or upset.

Toxic Foods

Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, salt, alcohol, caffeine—the list goes on. There is a lot of people food that pets shouldn’t have. Make sure your pet doesn’t have access to these foods, and keep animals off the counters and table. Call your Ceres vet to get a complete list of potentially hazardous foods before you start cooking your holiday meal.

Watch the Trash

Many dogs and cats like to search out the garbage bag to try and snag a few tasty treats after the Thanksgiving meal is over. Bones, dangerous foods, coffee grounds, and other hazards can be found in the garbage and lead to various health problems for your pet. Make sure the bag is tightly sealed and stored in a way that your pet can’t rip it open.

An important part of keeping your pet safe in the warmer months is pest prevention—summer is prime-time for infections and infestations caused by parasites and other unsightly critters! Is your … Read More »